This year's Thanksgiving is a special one for Trina Lee, who just brought a new member into her family.

Lee, of Fayetteville, was in Pope County on Monday to finalize the adoption of 3-year-old Jeffrey. The timing is special, because the boy came into Lee's home two years ago on Thanksgiving as a foster. Now, he is forever a part of the family.

"He has just come so far," Lee said of the boy's time with her family. "He is doing so good. When he first came to live with us, he wasn't even talking or anything."

With Jeffrey as the newest addition, Lee now has five children, two of whom are adopted. She also currently has two foster children living with her. Of the foster and adoption process, Lee said "it's the greatest thing in the world."

Jeffrey's adoption by Lee was one of three adoptions finalized in Pope County on Monday. To celebrate all adoptions, past and present, the Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services hosted an adoption celebration Monday in conjunction with the observance of November as Adoption Awareness Month.

Adoption supervisor Danielle Sims said the celebration was one of several statewide events to promote adoption and fostering in Arkansas.

"It's important, because it gives kids permanency, and that's what kids need," Sims said of adoption.

Sims said adopting from the state foster system is not costly. There are many children currently seeking homes, and Sims said right now focus has been placed on adopting older children and sibling groups, which are typically harder to place.